gretl_dataset_summary

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It mentions opening a GUI by default and returning summary stats, but omits important behavior: error handling (e.g., missing file), side effects (file modification?), required permissions, and the nature of the GUI interaction. The timeout parameter suggests blocking behavior but is not explained.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single concise sentence, front-loading the core functionality. However, it compresses three actions (open file, return stats, open GUI) into one clause, which could be clearer if split. No wasted words, but structure is minimal.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given no output schema, no annotations, and 8 parameters (only 1 required), the description is incomplete. It does not explain the nature of the summary statistics returned, error behavior, or the interplay between parameters like safeMode and requireGui. For a tool that likely returns complex data, this is insufficient.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is only 38% (3 of 8 parameters have descriptions). The description adds no parameter-level information beyond the schema, missing opportunities to explain safeMode, guiNewInstance, or timeoutSeconds. The reference to 'open the same workflow in Gretl GUI by default' weakly relates to displayInGretl but is not explicit.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool opens a Gretl dataset file and returns summary statistics, with an optional GUI opening. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like gretl_ols (runs OLS) and gretl_run_script (runs scripts). However, it does not specify which summary statistics are returned, slightly reducing clarity.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, no prerequisites, and no exclusions. Sibling tools are listed in context but not referenced. An agent cannot determine if this is appropriate for a given task without additional reasoning.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.